Follow-up on my Macbook. Assuming the Apple genius is telling me the truth, and he did show me pictures, the battery my independent repair shop put in was cheap, and has caused other issues. I knew it was not an Apple battery when they put it in, and it has given me 18 months without issue, but the shop is an Apple Independent Repair Provider, and should have used an Apple battery.
I don’t believe the genius had anything to gain by telling me it wouldn’t be wise to pay for a repair on a 7+ year old laptop. He did ask if I wanted to look or purchase a new one at that time; he wasn’t pushy and is a tech, not one of the sales people, so I am going to believe he was being honest.
Costco did not have the color I wanted, so I ordered one online that will arrive Tuesday. Apple Care+ is also cheaper at Costco, so feel like I got a decent deal, even with the Apple Store student discount, which they seem to offer to anyone!
Last night I spent time on Amazon looking for a new cover for the Macbook. In the past I had a clear frosted plastic so the color comes through, but my current cart has a few with a pattern. Time will tell which I like and fit well.